“And with all my political opponents now pressing for increases in income tax as well, I am increasingly concerned for the impact this will have on the health of Scotland’s economy.

“It is wrong to continually punish firms simply for having the audacity to set up shop. We want Scotland to stay competitive so that we are seen across Europe as a beacon for investment, and new business.

“The prize for getting this right is enormous. By growing the economy just half a per cent above UK levels, the Scottish Government could benefit by up to £1 billion by the end of this next decade.”

She said Scotland has to show it does not “sanction wealth creators - we support them”.

The MSP also used her speech to call on all governments involved in the Brexit negotiations to “step up the pace” to avoid a cliff-edge Brexit and give businesses greater certainty for forward planning.